Swimming Australia appoints discrimination and harassment law expert as panel chair

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A Sydney-based lawyer who specializes in discrimination and harassment law is the new chairman of Swimming Australia’s independent panel investigating allegations of abuse in the sport.

Key points: Chris Ronalds has spent decades in his career focusing on discrimination Panel she will lead responds to allegations of abuse in the sport of swimming Swimming Australia has recently come under fire for its treatment of swimmers

Chris Ronalds, SC, is recognized for decades of legal work in the fight against inequality, including his important role in the development and passage of Commonwealth laws, including the Gender Discrimination Act of 1984, the Act on Racial Discrimination of 1975 and the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992.

Having conducted workplace surveys in the corporate and government sector, and having appeared as counsel assisting the Commission in numerous ICAC investigations, Ms Ronalds’ vast experience suggests that she will lead a thorough and comprehensive review.

In a statement released by Swimming Australia, Ms Ronalds said she was “happy to have been appointed” to the post.

“This is important work and a continuation of the professional commitment I have to equality and accessibility,” she said.

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“The community can be assured that this will be an independent process and I look forward to presenting some results that will ensure swimming will be a safe and successful environment in Australia in the future.”

Ms Ronalds will select two more to work with her and said that while the panel’s work will focus on “women in the swimming community, our panel will work for the betterment of all” in the sport.

“With the work of this panel, there is a real opportunity for all sports to learn and grow.”

She trained as a swimmer with one of Australia’s most recognized coaches, Forbes Carlisle, in the 1960s before studying and building a career in law.

There were only five female lawyers in New South Wales before her and she has already spoken about her experiences with sexism and inequality.

“If you don’t fight discrimination, it will continue unchecked,” she once told the Lifetimes in Law website.

Swimming Australia says the panel will be tasked with investigating many areas, including:

structures and systems across Australian swimming behavior, conduct and practices of people in authority pathways to support the advancement of women into the role of high performance coach how to effectively address issues regarding physical performance in the sportSwimming Australia’s complaints process

Swimming Australia board member Tracy Stockwell presented Ms Ronalds’ recommendation to the rest of the board members on Monday, with her appointment confirmed that evening.

“Ms. Ronalds is the perfect fit for this job,” Stockwell said.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with their experience and expertise.”

The panel’s work will be conducted independently and separate from a sport-wide strategic review proposed by CEO Alex Baumann when he took office in May.

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